Race and Ethnicity: The Sociological Mindful Approach features contributed chapters by experts in the discipline that elucidate the complexity of racial and ethnic inequalities, referencing America's long, troubled history with race, emphasizing the role of social institutions in perpetuating racial inequality, and exposing the intersection of race, class, gender, and other social inequalities. The text employs a sociological mindfulness framework, which encourages readers to further develop their own sociological consciousness.

The book is organized into nine sections. Each section features a student narrative, an editor's introduction, readings that address the key theme, and discussion questions and resources to support knowledge building. Students read about the relationship between the social construction of race and identity development, the dynamics of interracial relationships, Islamophobia in the U.S., and the loss of home among people of color. Additional readings address how Whiteness influences educational institutions, racialized immigration policies, colonialism, activism with the goal of gaining ground against systemic racism, and more.

The second edition has been updated to reflect events that have taken place since the previous edition was published and which have shaped social and political views on race and ethnicity. It includes three new sections of readings: Identity Work and Wellbeing; Race, Identity, and Transnational Spaces; and Race and Ethnic Inequalities in Housing.